How to delay Windows auto update

As we all know, Windows interrupts a shutdown, usually at the end of a day, to start downloading an update. I want to be able to delay this to give me time to create a Restore Point, in case the update messes up my machine (it does happen). Before I had Windows 7 clean reinstalled I had this set up so I know it can be done. (There are help files about delaying the automatic restart after an update but that is not what I want.)

So how can I delay the actual update please?

The best way surely is not to have it set to automatic update at all, but to set it so you choose when to download and install. You then have as much or as little control as you want, and whether you install the updates altogether or in batches the process will automatically involve creating a system restore point before the installation starts. To change the settings go to System Security in the Control Panel.

Or, as I have mine set, to download & let me choose which to install.

wben353 said:

Or, as I have mine set, to download & let me choose which to install.

I avoided suggesting that option as there is a danger of pre-checked updates automatically being installed once they're downloaded:-

When did ?Download updates but let me choose? change? @ AskWoody

Thanks for the info Seffrid. I wasn't aware of that article. Additionally, both of my win7x64 home premium machines are set to download & let me choose. I only experienced auto updates when m$ has critical or superseded KBs. I will keep an eye on this now that I'm aware.

wben353 said:

Thanks for the info Seffrid. I wasn't aware of that article. Additionally, both of my win7x64 home premium machines are set to download & let me choose. I only experienced auto updates when m$ has critical or superseded KBs. I will keep an eye on this now that I'm aware.

I have read all this (and some of the referred long discussion), and have returned my machine to "Download updates but let me choose whether to install them.", as it used to be. In practice, I will also return to my practice of always downloading the updates but only after creating a Restore Point.

Thanks for the help.